The Life That Leads To Confidence At Jesus’ Judgment Seat (Part Two)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. The judgment seat of Christ involves a time in the future when believers will give an account of themselves to Christ. This is the plain teaching of Scripture: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). The warning is to Christians, not unbelievers. The judgment seat of Christ is different from the great white throne judgment. That will be the final judgment of unbelievers prior to their being cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15). Appearing before the great white throne will be unbelievers. Believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. The judgment seat of Christ does not determine our salvation; that matter was settled by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). All our sins are forgiven, and there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24). So, believers are secure in Christ, but they still must appear before the judgment seat of Christ. It will be a time of examination and a time of reward. Jesus will inspect our works. Did we abide in Him? Did we mature in our relationship with Him? Did we walk in the light as He Himself is in the light? Was His love perfected in us? If so, we will have reward. Did we neglect our opportunities to serve the Lord? If so, we will suffer loss of reward. Be encouraged to abide in Jesus!